Tips For Comfortable Driving
If you spend hours behind the wheel it is important to be comfortable to avoid musculoskeletal problems related to driving. If you drive for a living, it is crucial to get your posture right and follow some easy tips to keep your body healthy and prevent workplace injuries:
1. Starting position:
- Lower the seat completely.
- Slide the seat away from the steering wheel completely.
- Recline the back rest to about 30 degrees from vertical.
- Lower the seat cushion at the front edge.
- Place the steering wheel in its highest and most forward position.
- Release the lumbar support to its "backed off" position.
2. Raise the seat as high as possible to maximize your vision of the road without causing your head and neck movements to be restricted.
3. Move the seat forward until you can easily depress the clutch and accelerator pedals. You may also need to raise the seat to allow good pedal control.
4. Tilt the seat cushion up or down to support your thighs along the length of the cushion.
5. Adjust the back rest so that it supports the full length of your back, right up to your shoulders.
6. Adjust the lumbar support to fit the curve of your lower back. There should be even pressure along your spine, with no gaps. If your vehicle doesn't have a lumbar support you may need to use a lumbar cushion. Your Physical Therapist can help you choose a cushion with a good shape for your spine.
7. Lower the steering wheel and move it towards you for easy reach. When your hands are positioned at "ten o'clock and two o'clock" your elbows should be slightly flexed. Check that you can still see the display panel and that your legs are clear of the wheel when you use the pedals.
8. Adjust your head rest so that the top of the rest is level with the top of your head. In the event of an accident, this will minimize whiplash injury.
9. Adjust the mirrors so that you can use them without straining your neck or body.
